宽

• Pinyin: kuān
• Hanzi breakdown: 宽 = 宀 (roof radical) + 莧 (phonetic component) — a spacious covered area

Meaning

Wide; broad; spacious. Describes something that has a large horizontal extent or generous space.

宽 can describe physical width, such as roads and rivers, or metaphorical breadth, such as open-mindedness or leniency. The phrase 心宽 means being broad-minded. It contrasts with 窄 (narrow) and often implies comfort, freedom, or generosity of space or spirit.

Examples

1. 这条马路很宽，可以同时行驶六辆车。 This road is very wide — six cars can drive along it at the same time.
2. 新家的客厅比以前宽多了，住起来舒服。 The living room in the new home is much more spacious than before — it's comfortable to live in.
3. 他的肩膀很宽，穿衣服显得很有气势。 His shoulders are broad, giving him an impressive presence when he wears clothes.

Usage Guide

Context: description, everyday, architecture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这条河有多宽？(How wide is this river?)
• 你心态要宽一点，不要把什么事都放在心上。(You need to be more open-minded — don't take everything so seriously.)

Don't Say

• 我的时间很宽 (Don't use 宽 to mean plenty of time — use 充足 or 充裕 for having ample time; 宽 describes spatial width, not temporal abundance)

Origin & History

宽 is composed of 宀 (roof radical, suggesting shelter or enclosure) and 莧 (phonetic component). The combination originally evoked a spacious covered area, extending to general width and breadth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal